Enter the world of sophisticated flavours, distinctive aromas and a touch of timeless elegance. We fill our glasses and toast the top 10 whiskies of 2024!
2024 has brought us a wonderful selection of divine distillates. From the mysterious highlands of Scotland to the lush hills of Ireland and far beyond. Whether you're a seasoned whisky connoisseur or just starting to discover this craft spirit, this list will entice you with its enchanting variety and unparalleled quality. So pull up a comfy chair, prepare for an unforgettable journey through the world of whisky and let your taste buds be amazed by this year's crème de la crème.
Place 10: The Dalmore Port Wood
This Dalmore Port Wood Highland single malt begins its life in ex-bourbon casks of American white oak and is then transferred to casks of American oak and Tawny port pipes from W & J Graham's vineyard in Portugal. These are then pooled again to harmonise the flavours before being bottled at an alcohol strength of 46.5% abv.
Nose: sweet berries, Seville orange, plum and sticky toffee pudding.
Mouth: nectarine, creamy caramel, roasted chestnut and Javanese coffee.
Finish: plum, sultana, Sanguinello blood orange and macerated cherry.
Place 9: Nikka Coffey Malt
Nikka Coffey Malt is a whisky from Japan by the Nikka brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Coffey Malt category.
The woody, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Spicy hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Place 8: The Dalmore King Alexander III
This Dalmore King Alexander III single malt whisky from The Dalmore Distillery was made to honour the rescue of Scotland's King Alexander in 1263; a member of the Mackenzie clan then saved the king from the attack of a stag during a hunting party. This expression brings together six specially selected casks that together approach perfect maturation: maturation in ex-bourbon casks, Matusalem Oloroso sherry, Madeira, Marsala, Port pipes and barriques of Cabernet Sauvignon come together in perfect balance. Each cask lends its own influence and the result is a unique, complex single malt whisky that connoisseurs extremely appreciate.
Nose: first very malty and fruity (candied agrum, grapefruit juice and red peach. Then also some vinous and pasty (brioche, baking cream). Orange zest gives this dessert plate a nice freshness.
Flavour: full and rich. Powerful fruit, orange jam and dry fruits (nuts and grilled cashew nuts). Light, soft bitter notes with red fruits (cassis) and muscat grape round out the whole.
Finish: slightly salty biscuit, delicately peppery and settling further on light spices and gentian.
Place 7: The Dalmore 15 years
Launched in 2007,The Dalmore 15 years old single malt whisky is one of the most popular expressions in The Dalmore range. It is aged for 12 years in ex-bourbon casks of American white oak and then three years in three different sherry casks - Amoroso, Apostoles and Matusalem oloroso.
Place 6: The Dalmore 18 years
The Dalmore 18 Year Old is a bold single malt from the Highlands, first matured in ex-bourbon casks of American white oak and then finished in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks. With an alcohol content of 43%, this is a wonderful new bottling from many aficionados' favourite distillery.
The spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help define the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Floral, as well as woody hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Place 5: Arran The Bodega Sherry
Arran The Bodega Sherry is a whisky from Scotland by the Arran brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Single Malt category. This whisky comes from the Isle Of Arran region.
The spicy, as well as fruity flavours are quite present, but do not dominate. They help determine the flavour, profile and character of this drink but are less decisive as any strong notes. Woody hints are noticeable, but these flavours are only slightly present. They add extra character and depth to this drink, without really pushing it in any particular direction.
Based on this profile, you can conclude that this whisky has a fairly distinct character.
Place 4: Taketsuru Pure Malt
Taketsuru Pure Malt is a whisky from Japan by the Taketsuru brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Blended Malt category.
Masataka Taketsuru, born in 1894, is considered the founder of Japanese whisky. This chemist by training was hired by Settsu Shuzo who, in 1919, assigned him to train around whisky production in Scotland. Masataka fell in love with Scotch whisky and also met his soul mate Rita Cowan there. During his schooling at Campbeltown, he was already thinking a lot about the ideal place in Japan to set up a production unit, thus fulfilling his dream of becoming a distiller. On his return to Japan, it was clear to him that the island of Hokkaido was by far the best choice. However, Shinjiro Torii, his then employer, disagreed, and he decided to open a distillery at Yamazaki. Some time later, Masataka Taketsuru and his wife left for Hokkaido and established their first distillery at Yoichi: thus a living legend was born! After constructing Yoichi in Hokkaido in 1934, Taketsuru managed to open a second distillery near Sendai in 1969: Miyagikyo. The Nikka group's entire range is based on production from these two sites. Taketsuru always contains whisky originating from both sites.
Place 3: Glendronach 12y
Glendronach 12y 43° is a whisky from Scotland by the Glendronach brand. It falls within the whisky group under the Single Malt category. This whisky comes from the Highland region.
Fully matured in sherry casks (Oloroso for dry fruits and spices, Pedro Ximenez for grapes and sweetness), this 12-year-old version of Billy Walker revives the tradition of this Highlands grand cru.
Nose: powerful, uncompromising, dominated by sherry. Tones of honey, nuts and coffee. The nose evolves over fruit, quinces and stewed apples. Slightly exotic towards the end. It becomes more exuberant over fruitcake, chocolate, and almond milk.
Mouth: tannins, coated in dark chocolate. Spicy. Sesame oil. The return of fruit combined with liquorice.
Finish: develops over fresh malt. Fresh.
Place 2: Dalmore 12y
Dalmore 12 Year Old is a powerful Highland single malt. Many expressions of The Dalmore illustrate the possibilities of maturation in sherry casks. Maturation of this 12yo begins in bourbon casks. Half of the whisky is then transferred to sherry casks, and this half is blended again with the whisky matured entirely in bourbon casks to create this elegant classic.
Nose: very pronounced and malty. Floral and fruity (peach, apricot), evolving into brioche, cocoa powder and orange marmalade.
Flavour: nicely balanced between sweet and bitter. Tasty and smooth, reaffirming aromas of orange. Continues with nuts and a salty touch.
Finish: long and spicy (mint) and vegetal to finish with a pinch of salt.
Place 1: Nikka From The Barrel
Nikka "From the Barrel" with its very recognisable bottle is one of the great classics of Japanese whisky. It is a blended whisky that comes from sherry casks, bourbon, re-roasted bourbon casks and new casks! The care taken by Nikka's Master Blender gives this whisky a rarely seen powerful, complex flavour.
The nose is fine and complex with a floral, fruity pointe. Then spices and leather rear their heads alongside cloves, vanilla, nougat with almonds and caramel.
The palate is very powerful and determined, evolving over caramelised apple, cooked peach and dates.
The finish is long with a maritime touch over vanilla and plum jam.
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I've known Broekmans since I graduated in 2006 and thanks to Jan I've come to know the passion for spirits. I dedicate myself every day to the webshop, customer service and all the IT involved. In my spare time, besides whiskey, I can also really enjoy rum, but just as much as a gin tonic or a simple bellini. In the words of Martien Meiland, if there's no alcohol in it, don't call me!
